As Election Day drew closer, recorder of deeds candidate Deborah Engemann grew more nervous. Though she was the presumed favorite, she said she wasn’t about to concede anything until the final votes were tallied Tuesday night. Engemann soundly defeated Democratic challenger Michelle Walch in the general election to become the county’s first full-time recorder. Unofficially, Engemann received 7,115 votes (68 percent) to Walch’s 3,286 votes (32 percent). She collected the most votes in 22 of the county’s 23 voting precincts. “You are never for sure until any race is over,” Engemann said. “I felt like I worked hard, but it’s up to the people’s votes.” Engemann, 54, of Marthasville, will begin her four-year term when she is sworn in January 2011. “I want to thank everybody for voting for me and all the support I had during the campaign,” Engemann said. “I am excited to work for the county.” Last November, the county commission created the full-time position when they made a decision to separate the recorder duties from the circuit clerk. Commissioners felt the timing was right to provide a full-time position for the recorder due to the heavier workload in the circuit clerk’s office and to reduce the need for one person to run both departments once the new administration building opens. The recorder is responsible for filing numerous documents, including real estate transactions, land transfers, divorces and marriage licenses. The annual salary for the recorder has been set at $49,500, the same salary received by the county clerk, collector, assessor and treasurer. The current recorder is Jerri Jordan, who lost a bid to win a fourth term as circuit clerk in the August primary election. Throughout her campaign, Engemann touted her experience and background. She has worked for the county for 11 years in the recorder’s office and is currently the chief deputy recorder. Prior to that, she worked 23 years as an abstractor for Guardian Title. Meanwhile, Walch, 41, of Warrenton, was looking for a career change. She is currently the health service coordinator for North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), where she has worked for the past 10 years.